Sight

The long (night? It was hard to tell under the depths of concrete) folded into morning, as the elevator lobby turned to yellow, pristine light, and a song faded into everyone's minds. Chelsea Dagger set off at it's usual time.


"Good morning. This is Jonathan Toews speaking. Please go on duty where you are stationed. Blackhawks, there is a practice this morning but it is not mandatory. Keep up the good work everyone. Chelsea, Chelsea, I believe."

The intercom sizzled off.

Sitting on the ledge of the press box atop the United Center, was a very serious Jonathan Toews, captain of the Blackhawks.

"The board is set, the pieces are moving."

Toews was alone for the first few seconds of the new day. The Blackhawks system was clearly broken. There were intruders in the building, for who knows what reason. But it was time for morning skate, which was orientation for the young hockey players and assignments for returning ones. Players, alumni, and rookies were stationed in several parts of the concourse, arena, and parking. Security was a top priority. The Blackhawks field onto the bench, and Jonathan knew what that meant. He flicked a switch that turned the light system on, colored lasers and other projections around the United Center ice.

"Introducing... your new captain, Patrick Kane." A hint of sarcasm, but over the sarcasm clearly dissatisfaction. It didn't seem right.

Stick taps. Hundreds of stick taps as Patrick proudly walked out of the tunnel and skated slyly onto the ice, looking sharp as ever. With his curled locks in all of his glory, the crowd of Blackhawks went quiet and the projections stopped.

"Please get ready to announce your progressions. After, I will read stations." Jonathan said.

"Shot Jordie Benn." Patrick awarded his star goalie, Crawford, one stripe of Blackhawks paint.

"Patrolled around the lot 8 times, checked all elevators, all clear." Duncan Keith announced.

"What about Level 7, Keith.."

"Huh?"


"Speak, Hossa!"
"On Level 7, Panerin was found dead, with a bullet in his —"

"Panerin? Who the hell is Panerin?" Keith chirped.

"Come here." Patrick's tone was tender, understanding what the players were trying to tell him. "Both of you."

Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa stood in front of their fearless leader.

"Penalty box."

The two skated towards the vacant penalty boxes. But they looked so different. Darker, smaller, with a huge lock on them. Skating in, the door slammed shut.

"He is out of his mind." Keith said in a low voice.

"Sorry bud." Hossa looked sad, as the penalty box walls closed in on the two.

A scream. Two. And just like that, Hossa and Keith were never heard from again.

Patrick was satisfied with the progress made.

"Now everybody, get back to business." Like nothing happened.

"Alright, stations for today. Everyone is on defense for security reasons. High security today. We stand united!"

Toews ordered into the microphone. His tone was contrasting Patrick's, but he totally admired how close he tried to act like the real thing.

With her legs dangling on the counter of the play by play announcers table, Alexa placed her headset over her head as her eyes caught a glimpse of the banners above her. Alexa was used to this unusual life now, following orders of the Blackhawks organization. But a part of her was always left in Boston. The seconds she spent with Brad. The reaction when she found out her sister and Tyler Seguin were a fling. Those summer memories, the team having fun, a normal Bruins gathering, after the crappy life in Arizona she had to put behind her. And, Jamie. Whoever he was, he was nice. Like mentioned before, things have changed. Black and gold was now red and black. Tribal calls, colors, different people, different faces, no interviews, and one connection. Patrick. Speaking of Patrick.

The skates turned into shoes as Patrick swaggered up the staircase and into the room where Jonathan was typing on a keyboard and Alexa was staring off. Patrick lingered towards Alexa, as Alexa's eyes focused on Patrick now.

"Hey."

Her voice seemed bland.

"You don't have to wear that."

Patrick took her headset off for her, until Alexa grabbed at the stolen device back.

"Don't touch it."

Little did Patrick know, Alexa was listening to the offseason's NHL network. She was confused why a headset would help, but Jonathan hooked her up and she always tuned in. Hopefully there were no trades or injuries. Maybe she could catch the draft, or hear about her beloved Coyotes or Bruins.

Back to Patrick, who changed his voice and adjusted his hands to around Alexa's curves, Alexa still sitting there.

"You're so beautiful."

"Yeah?" Alexa squinted as she pressed her forehead against his.

Meanwhile, Jonathan tried to look at the security cameras, but saw the displays of affection as he laughed out loud.

Patrick turned away from Alexa to stare his right hand man down, before turning back to his girlfriend and kissing her passionately. Alexa's lips smushed against his, she could care less about how good of a kisser she was. Usually, Alexa's mood wasn't that terrible, but the past few weeks have been the worst for her.

Alexa stretched her legs by standing up completely and walking around the box, setting her headset down with the volume turned halfway up, as both Jonathan and Alexa watched Patrick leave the room.

"Get it"

There was a faint murmuring sound until it came into clear range.

"Day 30. I think. Everyone's alive and well, except for Jordie. Jordie isn't well. His leg is hurt. I think we're moving on, but we have to go up these elevators first and it's hard because cameras are like, everywhere. I don't even know if this things on. It's not even mine, mine is in my bag, this is Marchy's. Oh, and that's Addison."

Something sounded muffled, yet clear, a kiss on the cheek and a sleepy yawn.

"Say hi Addison."

"Hi!"

The sound.

Alexa put the headset on and turned the volume down slightly, her eyes wide with surprise as her hand covered her mouth. She looked like she was about to cry. What was she listening to? Her sister, and a boy? Is this real?

"Hey. Did you know this thing is like, a memo for your voice? It's yours. Carlo is a genius, he put these together. This ones yours." Addy handed the gear to Brad.

"Thanks Addy."

Now that was the voice of a rat, Bradley Kevin Marchand. Alexa had a complete smile on her face, and Toews took notice.

"Woah woah, is it that time of—" Jonathan tried to lighten the mood.

She ran over to the computer and pointed on the screen for him.

"Those are my friends." Alexa's smile was genuinely happy, as she whispered what everyone meant to her, explaining to Jonathan.

"Your friends are physically in the parking garage?" He asked.

"They have to be around here somewhere!" Alexa threw back.

"No wonder why Patrick put the place on lockdown. He wants no one getting to you. You are his precious cargo."

"He doesn't care." Alexa whispered. She wasn't phased by the lack of attention she got. She'd rather be with the true people she loved.

"So all we do is take these elevators and..."

The signal cut out, like the gear was in Brad's pocket.

"Find Alexa."

Kalani, Patrice, Brandon, and Addy nodded. Jamie nodded too, holding Jordie's head up, the older Benn still asleep.

As Alexa heard her name through the other side, she bit her lip. It was going to happen.

They were coming to find her. And in that second, Alexa and Jonathan made a mental promise.

With a nod, Jonathan released the security codes around the concourse and garages but not the ice. The players hurried to actually practice hockey, not defense, as the traditional ways of the United Center pieced back together.

Alexa wrapped her arms around Jonathan and whispered into his chest, "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Without his genius, she wouldn't be cut any slack. And Jonathan would cover for Alexa, whatever it takes. Alexa just wanted to get back.

Notes

it's gonna happen oh snap